Toi W. Hutchinson posted this reply on Maze’s page: If he had come to Springfield and voted no, I could see the principled stance. There were House members who came from hospital beds to be there. The collateral damage was that no less than 5 or 6 additional overrides and the child care billed failed by 1 vote. Many of these bills were previously supported by Republicans and were damn near unanimous the first time, failed because we are deep in a party fight. And for the record the labor bill had no contract in it. All it said was that negotiation couldn’t end in a strike or lock out. That’s it. So the what’s in it for Black people question is fair game for all of the votes we lost because a member didn’t show up. He should have come and voted no in person. We all have lives and planned trips. Many of us have sick family members and other duties besides our legislative careers.
(Above, Rep. Dunkin, who will be unopposed come March, and will still have the Speaker’s backing, and… remain a committee chair, enjoys his time letting his colleagues twist in the wind.)
Stay away.
You obviously believe you are not needed on the most important votes of your career. You hid. You failed to do your job. You failed your supporters. You failed your party. You failed the majority of people in the state of Illinois.
You didn’t take any stand. You fled.
Resign today.
==If he had come to Springfield and voted no, I could see the principled stance==
There was no reason for Dunkin to come back. Drury told the Sun Times he was a no as well, and that Madigan was no correct in saying the other two Dems would have supported the bill if Dunkin was there.
For another caption - Rep Ken Dunkin spending his time more productively than anyone in Springfield at the moment.
The other twenty are checking out the UN.
According to XS’s webiste the kids left on aug 22nd, and they’re still there the 31st, that’s a long trip for 40 kids, did he actually say he was in nyc, because i got $5 buck he wasn’t.
I don’t give a crap about Dunkin. I pity him. He’s the one going to have to live with this. The privileged don’t self-blame anyway. He simply played his assigned role. He made his choice. What remains is for others to decide. Do we enable the abuse of the poor, and unfortunate? Do we follow mammon and build our golden calf? Or do we help our fellow human beings and the public servants dedicated to that effort? Simple choice
- Almost the Weekend - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:44 am:
The people going after Dunkin on this blog are missing the point. You expect him to be there for you, when AFSCME has done nothing but care about their own interests the past five years.
I see this caption contest as a salute to Rep. Dunkin.
I congratulate him. His selfishness should be captured in a photo. His lack of respect should be catalogued in a post. Rep. Dunkin’s true person should be on display for all to see.
“I care less about you.”
It’s got to be a proud moment for Rep. Dunkin, vacationing, mocking colleagues, posing for pictures, giddy that he can make 70 Democrats know that selflessness isn’t what Rep. Dunkin (going 3rd person), Rep. Dunkin is about being as selfish as possible to make a point, no matter who gets hurt.
There were other overrides, besides SB1229 that failed.
Rep. Dunkin just refuses to care about people, but loves to pose for a picture to make sure others know too.
In the context of the Rauner v Madigan contest. This could be a win-win, more for Madigan than Rauner. Rauner gets a PR victory in the short run. In the longer term, Rauner will continue to look ridiculous if he blames Madigan for any state-employee labor strife or costs. This also undermines Rauner’s assertion that Madigan has total control of the Dems. I suspect Dunkin’s absence may have been the Speaker’s plan all along.
Everyone gets what they want, except union members who supported Quinn.
…”And this is my kitchen” Rep Dunkin says to his pals showing off his new house, “Help yourself to a beer in the fridge but please stay out of the freezer, that’s where I keep my cold cuts”.
so I guess my question is…… if you are a house rep you can just blow off your job and do whatever? I need to run for one of those jobs Im real tired of going to work when im supposed to
“You see Mr. Speaker, I was trying to get to Springfield, but those darn kids wouldn’t let me go! They’ve got quite a tight grip. You know about tight grips Mr. Speaker, but seriously, we’re cool, right?”
As he stood there, he had a strange feeling, like thousands of people developed a burning rage at him. That he had become the focus of all of there anger, like the guy who at the end of a bad screws up your order at Starbucks. The single focus of all the rage and anger that had built up over time was manifest in him.
Hi. I’m Ken Dunkin and I’m here in New York avoiding an important vote for my constituents! I’m proud that I can be just as willing to take a strong stand and do the right thing for Illinois - just like George Ryan, Rod Blagojevich, Roland Burris and Derek Smith!
Madigan doesn’t need to punish Dunkin, nor do the unions.
As for the other responses, look:
Maze Jackson can try to shift the blame to Madigan all he wants. Dunkin was elected to represent his constituents, and instead of being in Springfield doing his job, he was watching tennis. That was Ken Dunkin’s choice, and his alone.
Truthfully, as rich points out, the real story here is that House Republicans toed the line here, and it is only because of that that Dunkin’s vote even mattered. AFSCME is directing their ire at Republicans, as well they should.
Madigan might pick up one or two of those seats, but it is also a win for Rauner, who wants those pro-labor Republicans purged from the Caucus.
BUT - and here is the downside - those pro-labor Republicans are also important bridge for business groups trying to get legislation passed. In the end, I think Illinois loses.
I ran out of gas. I… I had a flat tire. I didn’t have enough money for cab fare. My tux didn’t come back from the cleaners. An old friend came in from out of town. Someone stole my car. There was an earthquake… A terrible flood… Tennis! IT WASN’T MY FAULT, I SWEAR TO GOD!
+- Anon. - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 10:45 am:+ If he worked for the private sector and missed a very important meeting/vote. His a@s would be canned within minutes of his no show!
Mike,
There’s so many times I’ve let you down
So many times I’ve played around
I tell you now they don’t mean a thing
Ev’ry place I go, I’ll think of you
Ev’ry song I sing, I’ll sing for you
When I come back, I’ll bring your wedding ring
“There was no reason for Dunkin to come back. Drury told the Sun Times he was a no as well, and that Madigan was no correct in saying the other two Dems would have supported the bill if Dunkin was there.” That wasn’t the only vote he missed, Child care lost by 1 vote.
With all apologies to Ryan Adams, here’s Ken Dunkin’s version …
Well, I shuffled through the city on a session day
Tho the Capitol was ready to blow
Skippin rollcalls in the House like a stone on a pond
Told reporters the Speaker gave blessin to go
Used to chair a higher ed committee down in 118
Got an office on Stratton’s second floor.
Had myself a Speaker who was finer than gold
Gotta strange feeling I ain’t gonna have em no more
Now AFSCME won’t play any games with me
Anymore like they did before
The override can’t wait, but I ain’t gonna shake
So don’t look for me out on that House floor
Hey, I love it here in New York
Well said, Toi! As someone who took a big hit yesterday on her bill, I have her back. I wish that Dunkin has though more of the kids in his district who can’t afford tennis, and their parents who are just trying to survive day to day. Hope he’s having a fine time in NYC. And I want to hear from him, not his mouthpiece!
Not to be cynical, but arbitration would have removed both Rauner and Madigan from the equation. Maybe Dunkin gets to take the fall. Let’s see if there is a reward…….beyond a week at the Big Apple with a bunch of cute kids.
===The people going after Dunkin on this blog are missing the point. You expect him to be there for you, when AFSCME has done nothing but care about their own interests the past five years.===
We get you are close to Dunkin, but he had a responsibility to his constituents -not to AFSCME- to be there for those override votes, regardless of how he would have voted. His absence is shameful and the notion that it’s ok he didn’t show up because AFSCME has not done enough for him over the past 5 years is ridiculous. The failure to override child care changes is on Dunkin. I guess your defense is that children haven’t been doing enough for him the last 5 years to warrant his presence at the vote?
===When they break down, somebody is in New York and the other is alone in Springfield.===
MJM wasn’t alone in Sfield. There were 69 other Democrats there with him. Almost the whole caucus actually…
much like Dusty Baker used his child to deflect criticism in the Cubs playoff loss in 2003, I think I shall use children to hide the fact that I deserted the people of Illinois and my party in its time of need.
Clearly there is an issue with Black people that know how to count. As I read these comments over the last 2 days it becomes clear to me that there is a pervasive culture that does not believe that Black people can make a decision without being paid off or selling out. Can they still pass the childcare bill on the 24th or will it not still be as important then? 68 votes with 71 needed but this group excuses the other 2 votes? Typical of the “culture” that is palpable in Springfield…Perhaps someone should post the summer attendance roll call? Yesterday, politics occurred, whether intentional or accidental.
===Can they still pass the childcare bill on the 24th or will it not still be as important then?===
Go to that particular thread and read what I wrote. It’s not likely.
Also, by pumping up Dunkin and more than implying that the rest of the Black Caucus is a bunch of compliant go-alongs, you really have completely jumped the shark, Maze.
He screwed up. It wasn’t about any particular legislative issue (read tomorrow’s Fax). If it was, he should’ve come to Springfield and had the courage to face the House. This was all about his NY trip. He put his private life ahead of his public life.
Ask Rep. Golar how she feels about that. Ask Monique Davis.
Heck, ask me. I had quadruple bypass surgery three weeks ago yesterday. I was at session last week and this week.
He gets paid very well to do a part-time job. The very least that can be asked is that he shows up when duty calls.
Everyday that goes by under these new rules is another day that could have been avoided if Rep. Dunkin was there. These parents are genuinely hurting and shouldn’t have been.
Go tell them they can wait until the 24th. What a nonsensical spin.
” 68 votes with 71 needed but this group excuses the other 2 votes? Typical of the “culture” that is palpable in Springfield” On Child Care there were 70 votes.
===Clearly there is an issue with Black people that know how to count.===
Ridiculous to play and try to hide behind the race card. This has nothing to do with Dunkin being black. It’s all about him deciding that watching the U.S. Open is more important than doing his job or saving child care. You should be ashamed Maze for trying to use race as a defense for Dunkin’s actions.
- Crook County Dog Catcher - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:22 am:
are tennis players unionized?
- South of Sherman - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:23 am:
Kids, I’m just going to try to blend in here. If you happen to see a small, scrappy Irishman with a net, I wasn’t here, you never saw me.
- old-pol - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:23 am:
I’m proud of Dunkin.
- hmmmm - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:23 am:
Toi W. Hutchinson posted this reply on Maze’s page: If he had come to Springfield and voted no, I could see the principled stance. There were House members who came from hospital beds to be there. The collateral damage was that no less than 5 or 6 additional overrides and the child care billed failed by 1 vote. Many of these bills were previously supported by Republicans and were damn near unanimous the first time, failed because we are deep in a party fight. And for the record the labor bill had no contract in it. All it said was that negotiation couldn’t end in a strike or lock out. That’s it. So the what’s in it for Black people question is fair game for all of the votes we lost because a member didn’t show up. He should have come and voted no in person. We all have lives and planned trips. Many of us have sick family members and other duties besides our legislative careers.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:23 am:
(Above, Rep. Dunkin, who will be unopposed come March, and will still have the Speaker’s backing, and… remain a committee chair, enjoys his time letting his colleagues twist in the wind.)
- slow down - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:24 am:
It’s all about the kids (unless of course the kids have parents who work for the state).
- William - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:25 am:
Coward.
- Kippax Blue - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:26 am:
No middle finger required, Dunkin. We got the message.
- Concerned - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:26 am:
A lot of very mature people, and Rep Dunkin, are pictured here.
- Formerly Known As... - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:26 am:
Making it official, from New York - Speaker Madigan has lost his touch.
Have fun in Springfield, guys!
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:26 am:
Rep. Dunkin will continue his trip having earned a Rauner Fellow scholarship for himself and 3 others…
- Frank - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:26 am:
“Eat up kids, Uncle Bruce is picking up the tab!”
- John A Logan - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:27 am:
Tennis Anyone?
- Miss Marie - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:27 am:
Dukin: Quick, someone get a me a photo op to take some of the pressure off! Something with cute kids! Who doesn’t love cute kids?!
- PravdaOnThePrairie - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:27 am:
Rich, this is not going to bring any civilized comments. Take it down.
- Allen D - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:28 am:
Proud of our kids we have here today
- VanillaMan - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:29 am:
Stay away.
You obviously believe you are not needed on the most important votes of your career. You hid. You failed to do your job. You failed your supporters. You failed your party. You failed the majority of people in the state of Illinois.
You didn’t take any stand. You fled.
Resign today.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:30 am:
===Take it down. ===
Bite me.
- Formerly Known As... - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:30 am:
==If he had come to Springfield and voted no, I could see the principled stance==
There was no reason for Dunkin to come back. Drury told the Sun Times he was a no as well, and that Madigan was no correct in saying the other two Dems would have supported the bill if Dunkin was there.
For another caption - Rep Ken Dunkin spending his time more productively than anyone in Springfield at the moment.
- Threepwood - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:30 am:
Wish you were here.
- huh - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:30 am:
The other twenty are checking out the UN.
According to XS’s webiste the kids left on aug 22nd, and they’re still there the 31st, that’s a long trip for 40 kids, did he actually say he was in nyc, because i got $5 buck he wasn’t.
- GraduatedCollegeStudent - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:31 am:
Rep. Dunklin sees if 30 pieces of silver can buy center court tickets the US Open.
- The Colossus of Roads - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:32 am:
Dinner with 40 Chicago youth-$1000, Facebook update- $5, look on Madigan’s face- priceless.
- Contractually speaking,... - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:32 am:
According to the contract, management already approved my scheduled vacation,… (Article X, Section 5)
- Stones - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:33 am:
Thank goodness he collected his per diem for being present. That’s a lot of mouths to feed!
- Anonymous - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:33 am:
It was deuce, with match point set up by a foot fault by Dunkin, and Rauner finished by serving an Ace
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:34 am:
“Fredo, I knew it would be you, you broke a lot of hearts.”
- Centennial - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:34 am:
Coward.
Sorry. I’m still mad to be funny.
If he wanted to make a “point” to someone — have the guts (and respect for your colleagues) to show up, look them in the eye, and vote.
- jknell - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:35 am:
Rep. Dunkin will conclude his trip with wreath laying ceremonies on the graves of Benedict Arnold, Tokyo Rose, and Lord Haw Haw.
Oswego Willy - why don’t you think Madigan will punish him? If he doesn’t, we know this vote was a hoax.
- Mittuns - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:36 am:
“Hey, are you kids old enough to vote next year?”
- Ducky LaMoore - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:38 am:
No kids, we aren’t taking the train again. If you OVERRIDE it, it can make you sick….
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:38 am:
- jknell -,
Why? The members of the Caucus can do more in punishing than just about abything the Speaker can do.
I might even say Rep. Dunkin might find “Century Club” status a warm blanket compared to his engagement with other Caucus members.
- Mittuns - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:38 am:
Rauner v. Unions
Score: 1-Love.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:38 am:
On our way to union square ha ha
- richsays - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:38 am:
Stay in New York!
- Allen D - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:39 am:
please leave the kids out of your anger…. I know it is hard but they have no part in this.
- Deep South - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:39 am:
===Take it down. ===
===Bite me.===
Proves his point, doncha think?
- Almost the Weekend - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:40 am:
Strong constructive relationships are a two way street. When they break down, somebody is in New York and the other is alone in Springfield.
- Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:40 am:
“What are the residency requirements for running for office in New York?”
- In Absentia - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:41 am:
“Now kids, all at once, say ‘Thank you for the vacation, Uncle Bruce!!’”
- Honeybear - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:41 am:
I don’t give a crap about Dunkin. I pity him. He’s the one going to have to live with this. The privileged don’t self-blame anyway. He simply played his assigned role. He made his choice. What remains is for others to decide. Do we enable the abuse of the poor, and unfortunate? Do we follow mammon and build our golden calf? Or do we help our fellow human beings and the public servants dedicated to that effort? Simple choice
- Team Sleep - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:42 am:
“Hey kids! Don’t worry - I brought enough pocket squares for everyone. But the purple ones are MINE!”
- phocion - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:43 am:
Rep. Dunkin poses his human shield prior to returning with them to Illinois.
- Rollo Tamasi - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:44 am:
Posting this picture is like thumbing his nose at Madigan. Darth Vader will get even. Take that to the bank.
- Downstate Weed Chewing Hick - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:44 am:
“How you like them apples?”
- Almost the Weekend - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:44 am:
The people going after Dunkin on this blog are missing the point. You expect him to be there for you, when AFSCME has done nothing but care about their own interests the past five years.
- Mason born - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:44 am:
Whatever you do keep this off social media. I told my boss i was sick *cough cough*. Wink.
Oh Michael I didn’t realize that was today.
- chad - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:45 am:
Rep Dunkin convenes secret advisory group assembled by AFSCME to provide its 2015 legislative strategy.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:46 am:
Take it down?
What, Rep. Dunkin isn’t “proud” of his actions?
I see this caption contest as a salute to Rep. Dunkin.
I congratulate him. His selfishness should be captured in a photo. His lack of respect should be catalogued in a post. Rep. Dunkin’s true person should be on display for all to see.
“I care less about you.”
It’s got to be a proud moment for Rep. Dunkin, vacationing, mocking colleagues, posing for pictures, giddy that he can make 70 Democrats know that selflessness isn’t what Rep. Dunkin (going 3rd person), Rep. Dunkin is about being as selfish as possible to make a point, no matter who gets hurt.
There were other overrides, besides SB1229 that failed.
Rep. Dunkin just refuses to care about people, but loves to pose for a picture to make sure others know too.
- Casual observer - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:47 am:
Dunkin uses the speaker to teach the kids his backhand slam.
- Qui Tam - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:48 am:
In the context of the Rauner v Madigan contest. This could be a win-win, more for Madigan than Rauner. Rauner gets a PR victory in the short run. In the longer term, Rauner will continue to look ridiculous if he blames Madigan for any state-employee labor strife or costs. This also undermines Rauner’s assertion that Madigan has total control of the Dems. I suspect Dunkin’s absence may have been the Speaker’s plan all along.
Everyone gets what they want, except union members who supported Quinn.
- Mouthy - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:49 am:
…”And this is my kitchen” Rep Dunkin says to his pals showing off his new house, “Help yourself to a beer in the fridge but please stay out of the freezer, that’s where I keep my cold cuts”.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:49 am:
Hey kids, this what arrogance looks like.
- Frank - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:50 am:
“Hey kids, how’s it feel to have your picture taken with the last Dem legislator to stick with Blagojevich and the first to stand with Rauner?”
- Mittuns - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:51 am:
It is a shame that this do-good event is caught in the crossfire of this important vote.
- Team Sleep - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:54 am:
I walk a lonely road with 40 kids
A new road that I just got to know
It goes through NYC
But it’s vacation to me and I walk 40 kids
I walk Saks Fifth Avenue street
On the Boulevard of Unexcused Absences
Where I slept in a nice hotel
And I’m the only one but there’s 40 kids
- Anonymous - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:54 am:
There will be no punishment. This was all worked out in advance. Anyone who thinks otherwise is naïve.
- Bluefish - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:56 am:
This is how your EARN your Illinois GO bucks.
- Sangamo Sam - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:57 am:
Representative Dunkin files a report from the Aaron Schock playbook.
- hisgirlfriday - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:57 am:
Rep. Ken Dunkin poses with the first enrollees of Bruce Rauner Tennis Academy, a charter school which replaces Dyett High School next year.
- the q - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:57 am:
so I guess my question is…… if you are a house rep you can just blow off your job and do whatever? I need to run for one of those jobs Im real tired of going to work when im supposed to
- Red Ranger - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:57 am:
“You see Mr. Speaker, I was trying to get to Springfield, but those darn kids wouldn’t let me go! They’ve got quite a tight grip. You know about tight grips Mr. Speaker, but seriously, we’re cool, right?”
- illinoised - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:58 am:
“I love tennis. Anything going on back home?”
- OneMan - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 9:59 am:
As he stood there, he had a strange feeling, like thousands of people developed a burning rage at him. That he had become the focus of all of there anger, like the guy who at the end of a bad screws up your order at Starbucks. The single focus of all the rage and anger that had built up over time was manifest in him.
Then he decided to grab some nachos.
- TOUCHE - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 10:00 am:
Awww, Dunkin’s doing a Corey “Tollroad” Brooks.
- Frankly - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 10:02 am:
Start spreading the news, I am leaving today, I want to be a part of it, I’ll make a brand new start of it, In old New York
- Nick Name - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 10:03 am:
“Dear House Democratic colleagues and Illinois middle class and especially you Illinois lower-income children: BITE ME. -Your friend, Rep. Dunkin.”
- vibes - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 10:09 am:
Fwiw, that’s the lobby bar at the Grand Hyatt above Grand Central.
- nadia - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 10:10 am:
Missing the other veto override votes stinks more than the AFSCME bill, things for the poor, children, etc.
There have been many doubters about Rep. Dunkin, now there are more.
BTW, good post (Bite me) Rich, and for anyone who claims the picture/caption was only posted because of Rep. Dunkins race, you don’t know Rich.
- Downstate - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 10:13 am:
What actions can (will) Madigan take against this man?
If Madigan doesn’t do anything, what does that say?
- Bluegrass Boy - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 10:14 am:
Hi. I’m Ken Dunkin and I’m here in New York avoiding an important vote for my constituents! I’m proud that I can be just as willing to take a strong stand and do the right thing for Illinois - just like George Ryan, Rod Blagojevich, Roland Burris and Derek Smith!
- Juvenal - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 10:27 am:
Oswego Willy is right once again.
Madigan doesn’t need to punish Dunkin, nor do the unions.
As for the other responses, look:
Maze Jackson can try to shift the blame to Madigan all he wants. Dunkin was elected to represent his constituents, and instead of being in Springfield doing his job, he was watching tennis. That was Ken Dunkin’s choice, and his alone.
Truthfully, as rich points out, the real story here is that House Republicans toed the line here, and it is only because of that that Dunkin’s vote even mattered. AFSCME is directing their ire at Republicans, as well they should.
Madigan might pick up one or two of those seats, but it is also a win for Rauner, who wants those pro-labor Republicans purged from the Caucus.
BUT - and here is the downside - those pro-labor Republicans are also important bridge for business groups trying to get legislation passed. In the end, I think Illinois loses.
- @MisterJayEm - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 10:34 am:
I ran out of gas. I… I had a flat tire. I didn’t have enough money for cab fare. My tux didn’t come back from the cleaners. An old friend came in from out of town. Someone stole my car. There was an earthquake… A terrible flood… Tennis! IT WASN’T MY FAULT, I SWEAR TO GOD!
– MrJM
- Anonymous - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 10:36 am:
I’m more upset about the effect of his absence on the child care bill than the arbitration bill.
- Team Sleep - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 10:39 am:
10:36 - agreed, although I do think reforms and overall program spending in CCAP need to be addressed.
- Anon. - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 10:45 am:
You want me to leave this just to go to a shouting match in Springfield? Are you serious?
- Mama - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 10:46 am:
Dunkin smiles with the kids while throwing their single parent & team-mates under the bus. 0-Love
- DuPage - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 10:46 am:
The dog ate my plane ticket.
- Formerpol - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 10:47 am:
“Rep. Dunkin accomplishing more good things than going to Springpatch would have done.”
- Allexa - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 10:50 am:
I think - intentional or not - this is the winning caption:
“did he actually say he was in nyc, because i got $5 buck he wasn’t”
Love it!
- Mama - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 10:50 am:
+- Anon. - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 10:45 am:+ If he worked for the private sector and missed a very important meeting/vote. His a@s would be canned within minutes of his no show!
- Neophyte - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 10:57 am:
Mike,
There’s so many times I’ve let you down
So many times I’ve played around
I tell you now they don’t mean a thing
Ev’ry place I go, I’ll think of you
Ev’ry song I sing, I’ll sing for you
When I come back, I’ll bring your wedding ring
- Guzzlepot - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 11:05 am:
When the going gets tough Ken Dunkin gets going.
- burbanite - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 11:12 am:
“There was no reason for Dunkin to come back. Drury told the Sun Times he was a no as well, and that Madigan was no correct in saying the other two Dems would have supported the bill if Dunkin was there.” That wasn’t the only vote he missed, Child care lost by 1 vote.
- Amalia - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 11:16 am:
I want to wake up in a state where the legislature never sleeps.
- A guy - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 11:17 am:
If only Venus and Serena were in this picture, the score might even up a little.
- walker - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 11:18 am:
“Next on the agenda, a fashion show of all the jackets I am wearing.”
- Wordslinger - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 11:19 am:
“I got such a deal on this penthouse on Central Park — it has a moat!”
- Michelle Flaherty - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 11:20 am:
With all apologies to Ryan Adams, here’s Ken Dunkin’s version …
Well, I shuffled through the city on a session day
Tho the Capitol was ready to blow
Skippin rollcalls in the House like a stone on a pond
Told reporters the Speaker gave blessin to go
Used to chair a higher ed committee down in 118
Got an office on Stratton’s second floor.
Had myself a Speaker who was finer than gold
Gotta strange feeling I ain’t gonna have em no more
Now AFSCME won’t play any games with me
Anymore like they did before
The override can’t wait, but I ain’t gonna shake
So don’t look for me out on that House floor
Hey, I love it here in New York
- SAP - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 11:33 am:
Man of the Century (Club) tour the Big Apple
- SAP - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 11:33 am:
tours
- The Machine - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 11:37 am:
Representative Dunkin doing a great public service.
- A guy - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 11:37 am:
No such thing as “too soon” in the CF universe. lol
If you can’t chuckle a little, you just can’t survive here.
- OneMan - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 11:49 am:
As he stood there posing for the photo, he felt something, sort of a distant rage.
- Blackhawks fan - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 12:16 pm:
he liked his own status….
- Chidog - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 12:21 pm:
Here’s Waldo!
- Archiesmom - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 12:21 pm:
Well said, Toi! As someone who took a big hit yesterday on her bill, I have her back. I wish that Dunkin has though more of the kids in his district who can’t afford tennis, and their parents who are just trying to survive day to day. Hope he’s having a fine time in NYC. And I want to hear from him, not his mouthpiece!
- downstate commissioner - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 12:32 pm:
“Opposition from a Republican in the next election? Naw, Bruce will take care of me…)
- 47th Ward - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 12:33 pm:
Dunkin? I always thought it would have been Franks.
No, this was a dumb play and Dunkin was always dumber.
- Keyser Soze - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 12:41 pm:
Not to be cynical, but arbitration would have removed both Rauner and Madigan from the equation. Maybe Dunkin gets to take the fall. Let’s see if there is a reward…….beyond a week at the Big Apple with a bunch of cute kids.
- MurMan - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 12:49 pm:
@almost the weekend:
Hi Maze Jackson.
===The people going after Dunkin on this blog are missing the point. You expect him to be there for you, when AFSCME has done nothing but care about their own interests the past five years.===
We get you are close to Dunkin, but he had a responsibility to his constituents -not to AFSCME- to be there for those override votes, regardless of how he would have voted. His absence is shameful and the notion that it’s ok he didn’t show up because AFSCME has not done enough for him over the past 5 years is ridiculous. The failure to override child care changes is on Dunkin. I guess your defense is that children haven’t been doing enough for him the last 5 years to warrant his presence at the vote?
===When they break down, somebody is in New York and the other is alone in Springfield.===
MJM wasn’t alone in Sfield. There were 69 other Democrats there with him. Almost the whole caucus actually…
- Natty Boy - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 12:57 pm:
much like Dusty Baker used his child to deflect criticism in the Cubs playoff loss in 2003, I think I shall use children to hide the fact that I deserted the people of Illinois and my party in its time of need.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 1:35 pm:
“We’re covering for ya Ken!”…
- Miss Marie - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 1:37 pm:
Kid: My mom is really sad that she can’t get my little sister in child care. Why won’t they let my little sister in child care?
Dunkin: Shhhhhhh, just smile at the camera
- Doh!-nuts! - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 1:59 pm:
America Runs on Dunkin’
- Union Man - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 2:18 pm:
Thanks for the tickets to the U.S. Open Bruce!
- #mazesaid - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 2:55 pm:
Clearly there is an issue with Black people that know how to count. As I read these comments over the last 2 days it becomes clear to me that there is a pervasive culture that does not believe that Black people can make a decision without being paid off or selling out. Can they still pass the childcare bill on the 24th or will it not still be as important then? 68 votes with 71 needed but this group excuses the other 2 votes? Typical of the “culture” that is palpable in Springfield…Perhaps someone should post the summer attendance roll call? Yesterday, politics occurred, whether intentional or accidental.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 2:56 pm:
Ah, Maze finally rears his head.
lol
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 3:01 pm:
===Can they still pass the childcare bill on the 24th or will it not still be as important then?===
Go to that particular thread and read what I wrote. It’s not likely.
Also, by pumping up Dunkin and more than implying that the rest of the Black Caucus is a bunch of compliant go-alongs, you really have completely jumped the shark, Maze.
He screwed up. It wasn’t about any particular legislative issue (read tomorrow’s Fax). If it was, he should’ve come to Springfield and had the courage to face the House. This was all about his NY trip. He put his private life ahead of his public life.
Ask Rep. Golar how she feels about that. Ask Monique Davis.
Heck, ask me. I had quadruple bypass surgery three weeks ago yesterday. I was at session last week and this week.
He gets paid very well to do a part-time job. The very least that can be asked is that he shows up when duty calls.
- Kyle Hillman - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 3:36 pm:
Everyday that goes by under these new rules is another day that could have been avoided if Rep. Dunkin was there. These parents are genuinely hurting and shouldn’t have been.
Go tell them they can wait until the 24th. What a nonsensical spin.
- Former Titan - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 3:47 pm:
Oh, the irony.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 3:59 pm:
Your boss has some big apples waiting for you when you get home.
- burbanite - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 4:40 pm:
” 68 votes with 71 needed but this group excuses the other 2 votes? Typical of the “culture” that is palpable in Springfield” On Child Care there were 70 votes.
- MurMan - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 5:23 pm:
===Clearly there is an issue with Black people that know how to count.===
Ridiculous to play and try to hide behind the race card. This has nothing to do with Dunkin being black. It’s all about him deciding that watching the U.S. Open is more important than doing his job or saving child care. You should be ashamed Maze for trying to use race as a defense for Dunkin’s actions.
- TaxesBuyCivilization - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 6:23 pm:
“All smiles when Governor Rauner picks up the check”
- Kathryn - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 8:21 pm:
if the childcare bill has been placed on postponed consideration so they can vote on it again why cant sb1229 be treated the same
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Sep 3, 15 @ 8:29 pm:
=== why cant sb1229 be treated the same ===
Look, if you have to ask a simple, basic question like that then you don’t belong here. Seriously.
But just this once (for the umpteenth time)…
The House has 15 calendar days to act on an override after it arrives from the Senate. That expires tomorrow.